Biggest Game Releases of January 2024

Brace yourselves, gamers! January 2024 is hot with epic new releases and highly anticipated sequels. Whether you're a die-hard fighting game fanatic, a seasoned adventurer, or a diehard fan of a beloved franchise, there's something for everyone in this month's gaming lineup.

From the bone-crunching brawls of Tekken 8  to the time-bending acrobatics of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, January is chock-full of games that will have you glued to your screens. So, grab your controllers, clear your schedules, and get ready to dive into a world of unforgettable gaming experiences. This month, there's no excuse to be bored.

Here's a quick peek at some of the biggest games hitting shelves (or digital storefronts) in January:

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Hold onto your turbans and sand striders because Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is about to whisk you away on a 2D action adventure unlike any other. Launching on January 18th, 2024, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, this isn't your typical Prince escapade. Instead of rewinding time with the Dagger of Time, you'll be wielding temporal trickery in the form of magical Amulets, traversing a vibrant, cursed Persian world, and facing off against mythical foes in fluid, acrobatic combat.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is fresh air for the franchise. It embraces its heritage while forging its unique path, offering a gorgeous, challenging, and profoundly satisfying adventure. With its innovative time-bending mechanics, engaging combat, and captivating world, The Lost Crown will charm longtime fans and newcomers alike. Just be prepared to get lost in its timeless allure come January 18th.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a triumphant return to form for the franchise. It's a visually stunning, mechanically inventive, and thoroughly enjoyable adventure that will have you rewinding, replaying, and exploring long after the credits roll. It is highly recommended for action-adventure fans, platformers, and anyone who appreciates an excellent time-warping romp.

The Last of Us Part II Remastered

Five years after its initial release, Naughty Dog's gut-wrenching masterpiece, The Last of Us Part II, returns to serenade PlayStation 5 players with the "Remastered" treatment. Does this new iteration justify another emotional rollercoaster ride through the ravaged Seattle and beyond? Buckle up because we're diving deep into the haunting beauty of this unforgettable narrative.

Right off the bat, the PS5's graphical prowess shines through. Environments glisten with a newfound level of detail, from the sun-dappled leaves in overgrown ruins to the grime-caked surfaces of war-torn buildings. Character models, particularly Ellie and Abby, exude a level of previously unseen expressiveness, conveying the full spectrum of their inner turmoil with every twitch of a muscle and flicker of an eye.

The "Remastered" edition doesn't alter the story's beats, but the enhanced visuals and performances lend a new layer of emotional depth. Seeing the raw pain etched on Ellie's face or the steely resolve in Abby's eyes in such stunning detail makes the narrative's emotional gut punches even more potent.

Tekken 8

Iron-fisted Fury redefines the fighting game landscape in Tekken 8, the latest bone-crunching chapter in the legendary franchise. Launching January 26th, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, Tekken 8 promises a fiery blend of familiar fury and revolutionary heat. Does it deliver a knockout or merely a glancing blow? Strap on your gloves, folks; it's time to rumble!

Tekken 8 is a visual knockout. The Unreal Engine 5 flexes its muscles, delivering stunning character models, detailed environments, and jaw-dropping special effects. Stages burst with life, debris scatters with every impact, and character textures ooze personality. Every fighter feels alive and dangerous, from Kazuya's smoldering rage to Nina Williams' steely glint.

The core Tekken DNA remains as addictive as ever. The 1v1 3D brawling feels fantastic, with responsive controls, tight hitboxes, and a satisfyingly deep combo system. Newcomers will find the fundamentals approachable, while veterans can master intricate juggles and wall splats. But Tekken 8 isn't just a visual upgrade; it introduces the revolutionary "Heat System."

The Heat System adds a layer of strategic depth and aggression. Building your Heat Gauge unlocks powerful offensive options like unblockable attacks and enhanced moves. It's a risk-reward system, as using Heat leaves you vulnerable. Mastering Heat becomes the key to turning the tide of battle, adding a thrilling push-pull dynamic to every match.

Bulletstorm VR

Buckle up, space cowboys, because Bulletstorm VR has crash-landed onto our headsets, guns blazing and quips flying! This isn't your typical, run-of-the-mill VR shooter; it's a glorious explosion of over-the-top action, absurd humor, and satisfyingly brutal combat that'll have you grinning like a sadistic gunslinger.

Step into the scarred boots of Grayson Hunt, an exiled mercenary with a trigger finger itchier than a cactus in a sandstorm. Stranded on the hedonistic pleasure planet Stygia, Grayson's only shot at escape is to carve a bloody path through hordes of grotesque mutants and trigger-happy cyborgs. But this isn't just about blasting your way through baddies; Bulletstorm rewards creativity and carnage equally.

Your arsenal is a twisted playground of violence. From the classic lead-spitters like the Peacemaker pistol to the gloriously ridiculous Bonzai grenades that sprout razor-tipped cacti, each weapon begs to be used in the most outlandish ways possible.

VR elevates Bulletstorm's over-the-top action to new heights (or lows, depending on your stomach). Dodging mutated slugs feels primal; whipping your arm to reload and throws your virtual body around like a rag doll, and the satisfying crunch of a perfectly timed Skillshot feels disturbingly delightful in VR.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Infinite Wealth promises a unique experience by combining two iconic Yakuza protagonists: the series' established hero, Kazuma Kiryu, and the newer turn-based combat enthusiast, Ichiban Kasuga. This dynamic duo will take players on a globe-trotting adventure spanning the bustling streets of Kamurocho, Japan, and the sunny shores of Hawaii.

The game ditches the real-time combat of previous Yakuza titles in favor of a turn-based RPG system. This new approach allows for deeper tactical combat, with players utilizing various jobs and skills to strategize their way through enemy encounters. Think of it as a classic JRPG with the over-the-top wackiness and charm of the Yakuza series.

Expect a diverse and vibrant world to explore, filled with familiar Yakuza activities like karaoke, hostess clubs, and side quests galore. But Infinite Wealth also throws in some Hawaiian twists, with surfing mini-games, luaus, and the chance to run your own shrimp truck business.